Fay Project — San Diego Front Yard Landscaping (San Carlos)

TL;DR

Rebuilt a failing sloped front yard into a clean, modern entry with a retaining wall, pavers, correct drainage, and low-glare lighting. San Diego • San Carlos • Modern • Drainage • LED lighting

Project Quick Facts

City San Diego

Neighborhood San Carlos (92119)

Constraints/Challenges 5–7% front-to-street slope; 44″ side access; CRC-compliant drainage required at porch interface; ROW discharge needed; HOA neutral palette.

Goals Elevate curb appeal; keep thresholds dry after rain; create a low-maintenance front approach

Scope Paver driveway apron and walk, retaining wall and steps, drainage (catch basins + underdrain), lighting, small turf accent

Style Modern

Timeline 1 week design • 11 build days

RANGE $45k–$65k

Problem

Water pools at the porch after rain
Driveway is cracked and looks tired
Yard needs constant maintenance and mud tracks inside

How IID Helped

We get it—puddles at the door and a crumbling drive are frustrating. We’ve helped 1,500+ San Diego homeowners fix drainage and add usable space with code-compliant, long-lasting installs. Licensed • Insured • ICPI Certified• 1,000+ 5-star reviews.

Plan

Increase usable hardscape to 1313 sf, create a wider landing and aligned steps to the front door
Regrade surfaces to meet CRC R401.3 drainage standards: maintain a minimum 2% slope away from the home at the porch and entry interface, then taper to approximately 1–1.5% across the rest of the front yard hardscape. Install (2) NDS catch basins tied to a 3″ triple-wall perforated underdrain with sleeve at the wall toe, discharging to a curb pop-up emitter approved by the City of San Diego.
Aesthetics: Belgard Catalina Grana with Charcoal soldier course; Melville™ “Sterling” wall
Lighting: 2700K low-glare path and wall lights; single 150 W transformer

Build

Demo and haul → base and compaction → drainage rough-in → wall footing/courses → paver field/border → edge restraint/polymeric → lighting set/aim → punch → cleanup

• Verified that the 2% drainage slope away from the porch met CRC R401.3 requirements before paving installation. • City of San Diego ROW curb-discharge location approved 09/12 • HOA finish approval (neutral palette, low-glare lighting) 08/28 • Final walkthrough complete 09/18

• 3″ triple-wall perforated underdrain with sleeve to curb pop-up emitter • Low-voltage lighting installed per NEC Article 411 using UL-listed FX Luminaire components, with conductors run in ¾″ conduit and proper burial depth maintained. Powered by a 150W transformer located at the side yard. • Downspouts tied into catch basins at walkway low points

Result

Usable hardscape increased from 820 sf → 1313 sf. Surfaces now drain along a code-compliant slope: a minimum 2% pitch away from the porch and home interface, tapering to 1–1.5% across the rest of the hardscape, directing water into the catch basins and 4″ underdrain; no standing water at the threshold after a five-minute hose test. Night lighting improves safe access and evening use.

From Tired to Refreshed!

“Easy to work with, smart drainage plan, and the wall/pavers look fantastic. High quality at a reasonable price.” — Mike, San Carlos

Mike F.

Project Details

Pavers: Belgard Catalina Grana “Victorian”; soldier course “Charcoal”; Random Ashlar-Pattern; 1313 sf
Base & Bedding: 6″ Class II AB compacted to 95%; 1″ sand bedding
Jointing: Techniseal HP NextGel (Beige)
Walls/Steps: Melville™ Wall “Sterling”; 42 LF; splitface cap
Lighting: FX Luminaire path B11 ×6; wall LF ×2; 150 W transformer
Drainage: 3″ triple-wall perforated underdrain with sleeve, approx. 38 LF; (2) NDS 12″ basins; (2) pop-up emitters.
Turf/Planting: SYNLawn SYNAugustine X47 120 sf; drought shrubs (Pittosporum, Westringia)

Finished hardscape surfaces maintain a minimum 2% slope away from the porch and home foundation in accordance with CRC R401.3, then taper to approximately 1–1.5% across the remainder of the yard. Surface water is captured by (2) catch basins connected to a 3″ triple-wall perforated underdrain with sleeve at the wall toe and discharged at a curb pop-up emitter approved by the City.

Jurisdiction: City of San Diego
Permits: No structural permits required (exposed wall < 36″; no gas or electrical work). Drainage improvements were reviewed as part of the ROW discharge confirmation with the City.
HOA: Aesthetic approval 08/28; low-glare lighting, neutral color palette
ROW: Curb discharge location confirmed 09/12

Design approved: 08/20/2025
Start: 09/04/2025
Substantial completion: 09/18/2025
On Time Completion

Investment Breakdown

Component	Low	High
Pavers (1313 sf)	$14,500	$19,500
Walls/Steps	$8,000	$12,000
Drainage upgrades	$5,500	$8,000
Lighting	$2,400	$3,600
Whole project	$45,000	$65,000

Gallery

Melville retaining wall terraces the sloped front yard for a clean, modern curb appeal.

Belgard Catalina Grana paver driveway and walk framed in a charcoal soldier course with a CRC-compliant drainage slope at the entry landing.

Retaining wall alignment and level reveal precise base prep and even courses.

Artificial turf with Melville wall cap border and DG perimeter for a clean, low-maintenance finish.

FAQs

How did you increase usable space on a small sloped front yard?

We terraced the slope with a low Melville wall, widened the landing, and created one large pad—net +480 sf.

What solved the puddling near the porch?

We solved it by grading the entry landing to maintain a code-compliant minimum 2% slope away from the porch (CRC R401.3), then tapering to ~1–1.5% across the front yard pad. Water is now captured by (2) catch basins connected to a 3″ triple-wall perforated underdrain with sleeve and discharged at a curb pop-up emitter.

Did this require permits in San Diego?

No. The exposed wall stayed under 36″ and no gas hardlines were modified. We did confirm the ROW discharge location with the City.

What maintenance is needed for these pavers?

Blow debris, occasional rinse, top up polymeric if joints open, and optional light clean/seal every 2–3 years.

3-Step Plan: What to Expect When Working With Install it Direct

Design

Site walk, 2D/3D concepts, and a written price range that fits your goals.

Build

We manage permits/HOA, drainage & utilities, inspections, and daily updates to your phone.

Enjoy

Final walkthrough, care guide, warranty, and ongoing service when you need us.

About The Project Manager

Patrick Diehl

Patrick Diehl was born and raised in San Diego and brings a wealth of expertise in both domestic and international logistics, having studied at Southwestern College, San Diego State University, and National University. With extensive experience managing interior and exterior builds for residential, commercial, and high-rise projects, he is particularly skilled in hardscape development and is committed to delivering every project with quality, compliance, and on-time results. In addition to his construction background, Patrick holds a real estate license and is a certified mold, thermographic, and home inspector. Outside of work, his number one priority is family. He enjoys spending quality time outdoors and fine dining with loved ones, maintaining a balance between professional excellence and personal fulfillment.

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